Program for homeless sleepers gets a special celebrity visit

Project Gubbio, the program at St. Boniface Church in the Tenderloin that allows homeless people to sleep in its pews, is preparing for a fundraiser featuring actor Martin Sheen.

So why is President Bartlett of “The West Wing” – and Charlie Sheen’s dad – spending time on behalf of the small, little-known program? Turns out he’s an old friend and fellow liberal rabble rouser of Father Louie Vitale, who founded Project Gubbio.

“They have been arrested many times together,” said Laura Slattery, director of the project.

Since The Chronicle featured a story on Project Gubbio in March, it has raised more than $5,400 in donations and attracted two steady volunteers. But the always-struggling program can certainly use more and is charging $75 for tickets to hear Sheen discuss his “journey of social activism.”

The program will be at 7 p.m. May 18 at 150 Golden Gate Avenue. Visit thegubbioproject.org or call (415) 861-5848 for information.